When Love Arrives ~ Review

When Love Arrives
Misty Willow #2
By Johnnie Alexander

When Love Arrives follows Brett Somers and the transformation that his life was taking just starting to take in Where She Belongs.  AJ and Shelby are moving closer to their wedding date and Brett is enjoying the new bonds that he has formed with AJ. But his past still haunts him especially where Meghan and Jonah are concerned.

Dani Prescott is determined to make Brett Somers  hurt as much as he hurt her with his accusations against her mother. But when she actually meets him (unintentionally of course) she ends up spending a Friday night out with him.

The worst part about spending time with Brett is they seem to have a connection. But the last thing Dani wants is her heart broken by a charming rich playboy. But if his behavior is any indication he's not exactly the spoiled rich boy she thought he was.

Dani is an anomaly that Brett would never normally notice much less look at twice. She's not out to win him over with her dazzling appearance. But there is something about her that catches his eye. It could be her innocence and wholesome girl next-door personality. Whatever the something is it is playing havoc with him.

But Dani is keeping a secret that could destroy any chance they have of a tomorrow if it becomes known. Does she what to take a chance on a tomorrow that might never be or walk away before she loses her heart to a man who may never be able to forgive her for who she really is?

This is a book that looks at the ties of family - how they tie us together and how they can drive wedges between us. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between AJ and Brett has continued to grow since the first book.  The strain on his relationship with Amy is sad in light of how much Brett obviously cares about her. And the plans that we make for our lives can take off in a completely different direction when God is involved.

Though you can read this book without reading the previous one in the series it will add to your understanding of the various characters and how they are all related to one another as well as the incidents that brought them to this point it time.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review, all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Dani had planned to spy on Brett--

so how did she end up on a date with him? 

Dani Prescott can't believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media. During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani's mother. But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother's reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something--but he's got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is?

Fifth Column ~ Review

Fifth Column
The Blitz Detective #2
By Mike Hollow

London is caught up in yet another war, a war which some are against.  Rumors of a Fifth Column within England are circulating. And London has become the nightly target of German bombers, so when a young woman is found amongst the rubble no one is surprised. But when evidence points to a personal attack as the case of death DI Jago is determined to find out who and why.

But delving into the past of Mary Watkins proves a daunting challenge. Few knew the young woman well and yet what little was known only raised more questions. Who killed her and why?

As Jago and his partner DC Cradock look more closely at the facts they uncover something they hadn't expected. Where this thread of deception leads them is uncertain but it could very well lead them to the England's Fifth Column.

The Fifth Column is a book of intrigue and suspense.  A murder, an act of betrayal, and the fate of a nation could be in the balance. Someone knows more than they are saying and Jago is determined to bring a murderer to justice, even if he has to untangle all the lies that have hidden the truth away.

Fans of Foyle's War will enjoy this literary series that follows a similar vein - World War II England with a police procedural. Fans of WW2 historical fiction will enjoy this series too. The characters are believable, one can empathize as the air raids take place. Some characters are likable, others are totally despicable. This is a story that one can get into as the case takes unexpected turns that lead to another yet another layer that further complicates the case.

I was provided a copy of this book by Kregel Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

The neat row of small, late-Victorian terraced houses 

was punctuated by a gaping space: 

homes reduced to rubble in the night raid...

Detective Inspector Jago investigates, uncovering deception and betrayal 

At first glance, the young woman found in the early hours of the morning where bombs have landed is just another casualty of the previous night's air raid. But when the post-mortem shows signs of strangulation, Detective Inspector Jago is called on to investigate.

The dead woman is smartly dressed but carries no identification. However, a local engineering company reports a staff member has failed to appear at work that morning and the body is quickly identified as that of Miss Mary Watkins.

DI Jago's initial interviews yield little fruit; no one can think of a reason why Mary would be murdered. But as the investigation continues DI Jago begins to uncover a trail of deception and betrayal.

The Cursed Dagger ~ Review

The Cursed Dagger
Ian Quicksilver #2
By Alyson Peterson

Ian Quicksilver has made a mess of it.  Not intentionally mind you, but he's in a mess none the less. He's finally regained his memory of who he really is - the Prince of Bankhirian and heir to the throne and the Quicksilver bloodline. The problem is it took nearly 16 years to remember and he only has until his 16th birthday to win the heart of Arianna, the Princess of Garfel. And Arianna doesn't remember who she is yet.

The curse that Silivus has placed them and their two planets under is about to cost them everything. And Silivus is determined to thwart any and all of Ian's attempts at winning Ari's heart. Not that he needs much help in that department with Ian's lack of skills and Corbin hanging around to provide protection.

But when Ari contracts a strange illness and time down to days, Ian has no choice but to accept Silivus's challenge in order to save the girl, his family, their worlds and the galaxy. But how do you win a challenge without knowing the rules? Ian is about to find out.

Fast paced adventure that picks up where Ian Quicksilver:The Warrior's Return ended. This book has a lot to keep you turning the pages - a quest, a challenge, evil magician, wise protector, death, a cursed dagger, and a dragon. Yes, a dragon and it's caught up in that challenge that Ian agreed to before knowing the rules. And if Ian loses so do the rest of us - goodbye galaxy!

Fans of YA fantasy will inhale this second book on the Ian Quicksilver series and I'm personally hoping for a third book - it could happen with how the story ends. Hint evil has a way of coming back and Silivus certainly falls into the evil category bending the rules just enough to work them to his favor.

And always remember

Never accept a challenge without knowing the rules...

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
In order to break an evil curse, Ian Quicksilver, heir to the Bankhirian throne, has two weeks to get Princess Arianna to fall for him. But first he must take care of a rampaging dragon and a maniacal magician before they destroy his home town, all while keeping his cover as a normal tenth grader at Puckerbush High! He'll have to find the courage to save two worlds-and pass his classes-in this witty sci-fi adventure.

About the Author:
Alyson Peterson lives in a mountainside gully—of all places—in northern Utah with her neurotic, shed-tastic dog, two ninja kids, and superhero husband. She spends her time painting, breaking bones at her Martial Arts class (mostly her own) and reading as many books as she can get her hands on. Alyson is the author of “Ian Quicksilver: The Warrior’s Return.”

An Elegant Facade ~ Review

An Elegant Facade
Hawthorne House #2
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has to be perfect, it is the only way to secure a good marriage.  Only a titled marriage can protect her from the secret she has been hiding for years. This is her debut season and she is determined to be the most sought after lady of the season.

There's just one problem her older sister Miranda is about to embark on her fourth season, something that Georgina fears could reflect badly on her own person. A sister on the verge of eternal spinsterhood was a most unfortunate association, indeed.

But when Georgina finds herself continually coming into the company Colin McCrea, she quite put out fearing that an association with this untitled business man might lower her standing in society. And being around Lady Georgina while his friend Ryland, the Duke of Marshington, pursues Miranda is not something Colin delights in.  Though he does enjoy a lively exchange of words with her when they meet.

And to Georgina's horror Colin seems dangerously close to discovering her hidden shame. But when a crisis occurs Colin may be Georgina's only hope in keeping her secret hidden.

An Elegant Facade and A Nobel Masquerade tell much of the same story but from the viewpoint of different characters Masquerade told Miranda and Ryland's story and Facade tells Georgina and Colin's.  An lovely and moving story as Georgina struggles with creating a version of herself to show her family, friends, and society to who she truly is in her heart. The illusion, though beautiful and lovely, is shallow and cold.  The time has come to decide who she wants to be, but will she remove the mask or claim it for the rest of her life.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Bethany House blogger program in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Lady Georgina Hawthorne has always known she must marry well. After years of tirelessly planning every detail of her debut season, she is poised to be a smashing success and have her choice of eligible gentlemen.

With money and powerful business connections but no title, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. He intends to marry someday, but when he does it will not be to a shallow woman like Lady Georgina, whose only concerns appear to be status and appearance.

But beneath her flawless exterior, Georgina's social aspirations stem from a shameful secret she is desperately trying to keep hidden--and that Colin is too close to discovering. Drawn to each other despite their mutual intent to avoid association, is the realization of their dreams worth the sacrifices they'll be forced to make?

Catching Heat ~ Review

Catching Heat
Cold Case Justice #3
By Janice Cantore

With Kelsey Cox getting a plea bargain in exchange for what she knew about the murders of Abby Hart's parents, Abby should be feeling relief.  Instead she's in a state of frustration - the truth about Governor Rollins's wife Alyssa has yet again been protected.  How can Abby prove what she suspects if everyone, including the Governor, is willing to protect this woman with an agenda to get him into ever greater positions of power?

Abby is determined to uncover Alyssa's secret - the one that will put her away and get justice for her parents and anyone else who ever crossed Alyssa.  There's just one problem the person who is partnering with Abby to find the truth thinks she is becoming obsessive in a hopeless search.  But Luke Murphy is wrong and Abby knows it, she just needs to find the loose thread that will unravel Alyssa's safety net.

When a cold case involving a murdered college student brings Abby, Luke, and Woody to San Luis Obispo, Abby sees her chance to quietly dig into Alyssa's teenage past. Thanks to a clue that the press had never pursued a story about Alyssa's past during any of Lowell Rollings's previous campaigns, Abby's suspicions are raised. But finding a clue so many years ago may be impossible. And finding some one who remembers Alyssa? Another daunting task.

But when a case takes a dangerous turn, Abby may not get the chance to get the answers she's spent her life searching for.  And she may not be the only causality in this case...

This is a another thrilling suspense from Janice Cantore that will keep you turning the pages. This is definitely a can't-put-it-down-until-the-end book. There are a few unexpected twists that add to the what happens next feel.  And the climax is not what I was expecting when this series started.  And, yes, you need to read all the books in the series in order to fully experience the true impact and change that has come into the lives of these people who are involved in this incident that occurred nearly 30 years ago.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart’s parents, she’s desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind—the governor’s wife—behind bars. When she joins a newly formed task force and teams up with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student. Realizing their investigation will bring them near the town where Alyssa Rollins grew up, Abby decides to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.

Luke is eager to help Abby close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in. But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situation, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.

Get a preview of the book @ Tyndale.com

Reclamation ~ Review

Reclamation
Sequel to Eruption
By Adrienne Quintana

Foreknowledge is Power

Jace Vega can't remember her life and it is imperative that she remember.  She is the key to stopping Victor Trent and Omnibus, if only she could remember.

The last thing Jace remembers is the eruption of Mount Hood and their last minute escape. How could she have lost the last three years of her life?  And where were Corey and her father?

With these thoughts foremost on her mind Jace is unprepared for the world that Omnibus and Victor have created.  Movements and purchases are tracked by personal chips. Without a chip you are severely limited, though it is a voluntary choice.

With few clues to work with Jace must discover where everything began to prevent it from happening again.  As her memories begin returning in random, yet increasing regularity she knows time is running out to find the Point of Origin.

Which life will she return to if she succeeds? The one she remembers with Corey or the one she now has with Damien?  With trust at a premium Jace needs to find her father, one of the two people she knows she can trust.  But getting to her father is a problem with Victor searching for her.

Reclamation picks up where Eruption left off and from there the intensity builds to a climactic conclusion. Get ready the race against time and manipulation is about to begin and one wrong decision could give Victor everything he has ever wanted.

If given the chance to send your knowledge of today to the past, would you take the risk? Foreknowledge is power and whoever controls this knowledge can control the world.

This is an excellent book and must be read after you have read Eruption or believe me you will be as in the dark as Jace.  There are a few surprises along the way - especially in regards to what changes have been made to the past and the manipulation that was done to achieve the results that got us to this point.  Highly recommended to readers who enjoy a story that is driven by futuristic technology.

I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Reclamation

Sequel to Eruption,

A Technothriller Exploring the Power of Foreknowledge

and the Dangers of Technology Dependence

When Jace Vega wakes up three years after the eruption of Mount Hood, her life is in turmoil. The future seems to match the images on the tablet, but Corey is missing, and nothing about her relationship with Damien feels right.

As Victor Trent continues to amass power, using information terrorism to make the world dependent on Omnibus technology and his private military force, Omnibus Global Security, Jace knows she doesn’t have much time if she’s going to stop him.

Jace’s reawakening begins a race to the place where it all began: the Point of Origin. If she can only remember where it is.

About the Author:

Adrienne Quintana is a graduate of the University of Phoenix and the co-author and illustrator of a children’s book, Isabella’s Pink Umbrella. Adrienne and her family live in Litchfield Park, Arizona. For more information, visit Adrienne’s website adriennequintana.com.

Saffire ~ Review

Saffire
By Sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund Brouwer has a way with words that transport one into a story.  Saffire is set in 1909 in the American Zone of the Panama Canal. This marvel of construction is going to create a passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

But there is a mystery tied to this construction and James Holt has made it his mission to help young Saffire, a mulatto girl who is looking for her mother. Saffire is convinced that her mother did not desert her, but can find no one to help discover the truth. But something about Saffire's story touches James heart. Something about this young girl reminds him of his own daughter.

James Holt's search leads him outside the safety of the American Zone where he discovers there is more than a missing woman. There is political unrest and even the possibility of German intervention stirring up rebels.

The construction of the canal is explained in part and it is a fascinating process.  Also of interest are the musings of James Holt as he observes these events, pitying future generations because the greatest achievements of humanity have already occurred.

Though the main story takes place over just a few days the story doesn't feel rushed or too short. This is a world that is in the midst of change. Those who are native to Panama feel they have exchanged one master for another. The racial injustices and inequalities faced by those who were not white are shocking and yet, sadly, not surprising. Sigmund Brouwer creates a story that creates a vivid canvas that teems with life.

 I love the historical aspect and the research notes that the author provides at the end of the book.This is a highly recommended read, perfect for a book club setting or individual pleasure reading.

I was provided an advance review copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

I reminded myself that once you start 

to defend someone, it’s difficult 

to find a place to stop. But I went ahead 

and took that first step anyway. . .

  
For President Teddy Roosevelt, controlling the east-west passage between two oceans mattered so much that he orchestrated a revolution to control it. His command was to ‘let the dirt fly’ and for years, the American Zone of the Panama Canal mesmerized the world, working in uneasy co-existence with the Panamanian aristocrats.  

It’s in this buffered Zone where, in 1909, James Holt begins to protect a defenseless girl named Saffire, expecting a short and simple search for her mother. Instead it draws him away from safety, into a land haunted by a history of pirates, gold runners, and plantation owners, all leaving behind ghosts of their interwoven desires sins and ambitions, ghosts that create the web of deceit and intrigue of a new generation of revolutionary politics.  It will also bring him together with a woman who will change his course—or bring an end to it.
  
A love story set within a historical mystery, Saffire brings to life the most impressive-and embattled- engineering achievement of the twentieth-century.

For more information about the book click here.